Ireland on the Fly
About
Available on
Community
150 episodes
Scotland. It’s the traditional heart and home of fly fishing for salmon. The Spey, Dee, Tay and Tweed are rivers synonymous the world over when it comes to salmon fishing. But, long gone are the days when salmon catches were guaranteed and getting onto certain beats were next to impossible. In the midst of the Atlantic salmon crisis, Daire and Jim speak to Robert Mitchell and Colin Bull, two Scotsmen immersed in salmon throughout their lives. Robert Mitchell, has been a salmon fishing ghillie on the River Spey for over thirty years. He remembers the heyday and he also talks in stark terms about the fear that every ghillie has of there being no salmon left. Colin Bull is Principal Investigator with the Missing Salmon Alliance and a specialist in salmon ecology at Stirling University and he says that with targeted conservation measures the salmon can be saved and we can and should be hopeful. #thelastsalmon #FighttosavetheWildSalmon For regular updates follow the show on Instagram at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon https://wwwinstagram.com/TheLastSalmon MAYFLY TACTICS MASTERCLASS Mayfly time is the pinnacle for most brown trout anglers and we’re pleased to announce our next Ireland on the Fly Masterclass is focusing on mayfly tactics with international angler, guide and renowned fly tyer, Jackie Mahon. On Thursday 25th of April at 8pm, Jackie will be discussing how to make the most of the conditions, the best flies and methods to use, as well as giving his tips and insights from a lifetime of experience. To join us for this Masterclass on Thursday 25th of April just go to: HTTPS://REGISTER.GOTOWEBINAR.COM/REGISTER/3138230924312556894 http://www.irelandonthefly.com/masterclass TICKETS COST €10 AND ALL ATTENDEES WILL GET A COPY OF JACKIE’S NOTES AS WELL AS ACCESS TO THE RECORDING OF THE WEBINAR AFTERWARDS. And
This week we’re joined by Julie Gerry, former winner of the World Cup on Mask – and the only woman to have won it to date, she’s captain of the Irish Ladies Fly Fishing team, and now also Youth Officer with the Irish Trout Fly Fishers Association. Julie tells us how, despite the success of Irish fly fishing teams, it is still a struggle to get more youths and women into the sport, and how maybe we should be looking to copy the successful programme in Northern Ireland based on the Foyle River Catchment Outdoor Group or FROG CIC as it’s known. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
Alexandra Morton is a warrior and a shining light who has fought and won her battle against fish farms. She has committed her life to saving the wild salmon in her local area of Broughton Archipelago on Canada’s pristine British Columbia coastline. She joins Jim and Daire on the latest episode of The Last Salmon to talk about her life of activism, why everyone needs to join in the fight to save the salmon and how success like hers can be achieved. #thelastsalmon #FighttosavetheWildSalmon https://wwwinstagram.com/TheLastSalmon
This week’s guest on Ireland on the Fly is a fly tyer and fly angler well known to many from fairs around Ireland and abroad and it was only when he moved to Ireland over twenty years ago that he discovered fly fishing and quickly embraced the sport, especially fly tying. Having been originally from the Caribbean it’s no surprise that saltwater fly fishing remains his first love, but John also has more than a few interesting tales to tell, including the time he was a bodyguard to Mike Tyson – stories you don’t normally expect on a fly fishing podcast…. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
Paul Whitehouse, the comedic legend, and John Bailey, the wizard behind the scenes of Mortimer & Whitehouse Gone Fishing, join us on The Last Salmon podcast. With their outspoken views about scientists and what actually should be done to help their beloved fish, Paul and John bring a lifetime of fishing experience – as well as their wit and humour - to this week’s episode, including the welcome return of Rowley Birkin (KC) to the conversation. #thelastsalmon #FighttosavetheWildSalmon For regular updates follow the show on Instagram at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon https://wwwinstagram.com/TheLastSalmon
This week on Ireland on the Fly we’re turning our attention to the famous River Slaney. The river that was once the doyen of spring salmon rivers in Ireland has suffered more than most in recent times but there are still anglers and custodians of the Slaney that are fighting to keep it going and recover. And to hear more about their work as well as those halcyon days, we’re joined by Richard Burgess, former chairman of the Slaney River Trust. Plus, Tom was a recent guest speaker at the illustrious Fly Fishers’ Club in London and he gives some insights into its hallowed halls and collections. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
The Last Salmon is a new podcast series hosted by Ireland on the Fly's, Daire Whelan, and actor and activist angler, Jim Murray offering hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild Atlantic salmon. On this, the first episode of Season 1, Daire and Jim find out how the massive escape of farmed salmon in Iceland’s waters in the autumn of 2023, led to huge public protests at the damage being done to the wild salmon and their country’s pristine, natural waters. Actor, angler and passionate conservationist, Jasper Pääkkönen, and Iceland’s Programme Director of The North Atlantic Salmon Fund, Elvar Fridriksson, explain what happened, why and how it spurred a country into activism and action. The tipping point for Iceland in their fight to save the wild salmon is hanging in the balance and the world is watching. #thelastsalmon #Fighttosavethewildsalmon For regular updates follow the show on Instagram at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon https://wwwinstagram.com/TheLastSalmon
This week’s Ireland on the Fly is another book club episode with returning author, Dan O’Donovan, whom we spoke to previously about his book, The Salmon of the River Lee. Dan has also written a very popular monograph on Sidney Spencer, who was a renowned angler and author on lough-fishing for salmon and sea-trout in the north-west of Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland, and we speak to Dan about Sidney Spencer’s life and legacy and his love of fly fishing in Ireland. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
Some of you may recall the devastating fish kill that occurred last May on the Ballymacraven River in Ennistymon, Co. Clare. It is estimated that in excess of 2000 fish were killed in this incident. This culminated in a court case on February the 16th, taken by the I.F.I. where Uisce Éireann admitted liability for this event and were fined over €15,000. Tom spoke to Jane Gilleran who is an Environmental Fisheries Officer with the I.F.I. and represented them in these proceedings to find out about the background to the case and what is being done to prevent similar fish kills in the future. Don’t forget you can call 0818 34 74 24 tel:0818347424 to report illegal fishing, water pollution or invasive species. IRELAND ON THE FLY EARLY SEASON BUZZER TACTICS MASTERCLASS If you’re interested in learning more about early season buzzer tactics, then Ireland on the Fly's very first Masterclass webinar might just be for you. International angler and Lough Corrib expert, Mike Keady, will be joining Daire & Tom at 8pm on Thursday March 14th for a one hour masterclass presentation on how to improve your catch rate with an emphasis on flies, tactics and set-up. Attendees will also have the opportunity to put questions to Mike during the live webinar, plus you’ll also get access to the recording of the session and a copy of Mike’s notes. Tickets cost just €10 and you must register and pay in advance be going to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2449749727158902364 If you’ve any questions you can also send an email to info@irelandonthefly.com or visit www.irelandonthefly.com/masterclass http://www.irelandonthefly.com/masterclass for all the details.
John Lalor, the well-known Tipperary salmon and trout angler, is on this week's podcast to talk about his fishing life on the River Suir and beyond. John’s new book, ‘Fish Scéalta: Game Fishing from Alaska to Lapland and the Swedish Arctic’ covers his remarkable fishing life beyond Tipperary covering many of the bucket list destinations we can only dream about – as well as some of his other favourite fishing locations in Ireland. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. IRELAND ON THE FLY EARLY SEASON BUZZER TACTICS MASTERCLASS If you’re interested in learning more about early season buzzer tactics, then Ireland on the Fly's very first Masterclass webinar might just be for you. International angler and Lough Corrib expert, Mike Keady, will be joining Daire & Tom at 8pm on Thursday March 14th for a one hour masterclass presentation on how to improve your catch rate with an emphasis on flies, tactics and set-up. Attendees will also have the opportunity to put questions to Mike during the live webinar, plus you’ll also get access to the recording of the session and a copy of Mike’s notes. Tickets cost just €10 and you must register and pay in advance be going to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2449749727158902364 If you’ve any questions you can also send an email to info@irelandonthefly.com or visit www.irelandonthefly.com/masterclass http://www.irelandonthefly.com/masterclass for all the details.
Jimmy Tyrrell, the well-known fly tyer based outside Abbeyleix in Laois, joins us on this week’s Ireland on the Fly. Jimmy talks about his fly fishing and fly tying journey from tying flies he could fish with on his local rivers to supplying shops and customers as far afield as Australia. And for those of you who want to know the perfect way to mix your dubbing, it involves a Chinese takeaway carton and an air canister so listen out for Jimmy’s fly tying tips and for more from Jimmy, check out his website at: https://irishflycraft.com/ Plus, Tom has an update on the opening few days on Corrib and explains how he’s hoping to someday target ferox trout on the fly. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. IRELAND ON THE FLY EARLY SEASON BUZZER TACTICS MASTERCLASS If you’re interested in learning more about early season buzzer tactics, then Ireland on the Fly's very first Masterclass webinar might just be for you. International angler and Lough Corrib expert, Mike Keady, will be joining Daire & Tom at 8pm on Thursday March 14th for a one hour masterclass presentation on how to improve your catch rate with an emphasis on flies, tactics and set-up. Attendees will also have the opportunity to put questions to Mike during the live webinar, plus you’ll also get access to the recording of the session and a copy of Mike’s notes. Tickets cost just €10 and you must register and pay in advance be going to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2449749727158902364 If you’ve any questions you can also send an email to info@irelandonthefly.com or visit www.irelandonthefly.com/masterclass http://www.irelandonthefly.com/masterclass for all the details.
For this week’s episode we’re joined by Dave O’Donovan, the Cork-based international angler who loves nothing better than fishing his local Awbeg and Funcheon rivers. With most of the rivers in Cork and Kerry open for trout from February 15th, we spoke to Dave about fishing in the early season and why wet fly tactics are a particular favourite. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. NEW IRELAND ON THE FLY MASTERCLASS WEBINAR SERIES Advice on tactics and how to catch more fish are the most common requests we get from listeners to Ireland on the Fly and so, this year, we’re delighted to bring you our new monthly Masterclass Live webinars. Some of the most experienced and respected fly anglers from around the country will pass on their in-depth knowledge and expertise in a live Zoom webinar where you will get to ask the questions and get the answers that you’ve always wanted to know. SO, STARTING WITH OUR FIRST MASTERCLASS LIVE WEBINAR ON THURSDAY, MARCH 14TH, INTERNATIONAL ANGLER AND LOUGH CORRIB EXPERT, MIKE KEADY, WILL BE EXPLAINING EARLY SEASON BUZZER TACTICS. What’s the set up, what flies to use and how to maximise your catch rates? All of that and more, Mike Keady will be explaining. Plus, he will then be answering your questions live during the webinar. And, if that’s not enough, every attendee will get a copy of Mike’s detailed notes and have exclusive access to the recording of the webinar afterwards. TICKETS TO THE WEBINAR FOR ALL OF THIS ARE JUST €10. But you must register and pay in advance to attend by going to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2449749727158902364 Stay tuned for our masterclasses throughout 2024, covering salmon, rivers, loughs, streamers, lures, dries – everything to make you a better salmon or trout fly angler, helping you to catch more this year and learn from the best. So, don’t forget the date and details – Thursday March 14th with Mike Keady on early season buzzer tactics. Register and pay for your ticket at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2449749727158902364 and we can’t wait to see you then…….
With the opening of the Blackwater on February 1st, we caught up with Conor Arnold, the guide and casting instructor who we spoke to previously on the show, to find out how opening day went on the river and what we can expect over the next few weeks. Conor also has some good advice on how to tempt the early season springers, plus he tells us how he fared on his recent trip to Patagonia where double figure sea trout and hundreds of brownies made up his week’s fishing down there. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
Neil O’Shea, the long-standing ghillie on Lough Currane whose family have been guiding on the lake for nearly 150 years joins us on this week's Ireland on the Fly and what Neil doesn’t know about Currane probably isn’t worth knowing….. We speak to Neil about the opening few weeks on Currane, the good and the bad days for the lough, why you’ve a good chance of a springer in the coming months and how double figure sea trout can still be got – if you time it right….. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
For this week’s episode we’re joined by Eamonn Conway, a well known angler from Dundalk, who in 2016 took the leap and decided to set up his own fly fishing company called Táin Fly Fishing. Its range includes fly rods, reels, lines and leaders and Eamonn talks to us about the challenges of setting up and running a fly fishing company and why he wants Táin to be like the Tayto of fly fishing in Ireland. Eamonn also talks about fishing the rivers around his native Dundalk and has some tips for how his set up can lead to better catches. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/ and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
For this week’s episode we speak to an Irish fly angler who is now not only living and fishing in Sweden but also represents his adopted country at World Championship level. Wicklow’s Graham Reynolds tells us about the incredible fishing that’s to be had in Sweden and how, despite his early struggles in the competition scene over there, he kept at it and in a few years it led to him fishing at the Worlds and captaining Sweden in 2024. Plus he also tells us about the incredible landscape and fishing to be had in the country known as the Land of the Thousand Lakes – but his most memorable fish on the fly still came from Irish waters. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
After a long hiatus we have another book club episode this week and this time we’re focusing on O’Gorman and the Practice of Angling from 1845. Who was O’Gorman you may be asking? In many ways he was the Izaak Walton of Irish fly fishing (albeit a lot better at writing!) whose book in the 1800s gives a glimpse of the halcyon days of Irish fishing. This week’s guest is Patrick Gageby, barrister and fly fisherman who co-wrote the introduction to a re-issued version in 1993. We discuss O'Gorman's life, the anecdotes and fishing covered in the book and why it's a forgotten but still important canon in the earliest writings on fly fishing in Ireland. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
We’re back for another year, another season and more interviews and conversations in 2024, and to kick things off we’re joined on this week’s episode by Shane Gallagher of the Drowes Fishery where the season traditionally starts on January 1st. Shane has all the latest from the opening few days, including news of the first salmon of the season from the Leannan River which was a fresh fish off Watts Pool caught by local angler James Kenny on a pink Flying C. The salmon was measured at 69cm and estimated to weigh 8lbs. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
Revisiting an episode from January 2023..... For so many of us, fly fishing is also about the people, places and experiences we have, especially whilst discovering new places. And so, for this latest episode of Ireland on the Fly, we speak to Cork fly angler, Ronan Collins, whom Daire first met in Greenland last year. Ronan has fished in many far flung places around the world and is a particularly keen salmon angler with incredible stories from Russia and elsewhere, plus he also introduced Daire to the wonders of yacht-rock, but more on that later in the show… Speaking to Ronan and hearing his stories about fly fishing around Ireland and the world is a reminder that it’s about fly fishing and about so much more. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
It’s only a few days to Christmas and if you’re looking back on the year that was or looking ahead to the season to come, we’ve put together a special second volume of our Most Memorable Fish on the Fly series. Sit back, listen and enjoy as some of our guests from the past year bring us on a journey across lakes, rivers and oceans to tell us the story of the fish that means so much to them….. Our thanks to all of our guests for joining us on the show throughout the year, and to you our listeners who listen, follow and get in touch. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and join us again in 2024 when we’ll be bringing you more guests, more interviews, more insights and maybe even a road trip or two along the way if we’re lucky….. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
If you're a fan of fly fishing writing and magazines then you've most likely heard of The Drake - an American quarterly that's been running for 25 years featuring some of the best writers covering the why rather than the how of fly fishing. It's got a unique voice run by its founder, publisher and editor, Tom Bie, who is also a regular visitor to these shores, sampling the brown trout and salmon fishing to be had. Soon after Tom visited Ireland earlier this year, we caught up with him to get his impressions of the fishing and how some of it compares to the waters he fishes in the States.....plus of course, we had to ask him about Drake mag and its 25 years of success…… Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
We hear plenty of stories of sea trout on the west coast of Ireland, but what about sea trout in the salt on the east coast where the fish are bigger, and if recent catches are anything to go by, fish numbers are improving as well? Mick McShane is a well known fly angler from Dundalk who will throw a fly at pretty much anything that swims, but he has a special grá for the sea trout around Carlingford Lough and he joins us on this week’s episode to explain the rise in popularity of fly fishing for seatrout in the salt – inspired in no small part by the Danes. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
As we head into December and are stuck in winter – although fear not, the opening of the Drowes is only a few weeks away – you’re also probably stuck at the vice dreaming of the fly to tie to catch your first salmon of the season in 2024. So, for this week’s episode we wanted to concentrate on salmon flies and fly tying and we’re joined by Tony McCann from Belfast who, although only taking up salmon fly tying four years ago is an accomplished salmon fly tier appearing at fairs in Ireland and the UK. His flies are catching salmon on rivers in Ireland and abroad and he joins us to tell us how he developed his fly tying skills so quickly and why his flies are doing so well. For more from Tony visit https://www.instagram.com/irishsalmonflies/ Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
You might remember we covered the FIPS-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships back in September with daily updates from Ireland team captain, Dec Conlon, and one of the star Irish performers from the tournament was a young angler by the name of Sean Dempsey. Sean joins us on this week’s show and having fished three Worlds already in his 20s, he gives us some real insights into the elite level of fly fishing, and what he’s learned from the leading countries such as France, Spain and the Czechs. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. *** Fulling Mill Competition If you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. From Dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answer the following question: ‘What country were the 2023 World Fly Fishing Championships held in?’ Email your answer to info@irelandonthefly.com and we will announce the winner on next week’s show
If you’re not into rugby, stick with us as we do also cover fly fishing on this week’s episode with Mike Cosgrave, the former coach and centre for Connacht who is also a passionate fly angler and who fished Corrib and Mask as a kid growing up. While he still fishes the Western Loughs, Mike’s other great love is Montana. He has fished the fly fishing spiritual home of America over a dozen times and has some incredible stories about hiking into the wilderness, catching trout to 10lbs and even fishing the famous Blackfoot river from A River Runs Through It. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. *** Fulling Mill Competition If you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. Anyone wanting to see them in person and handle them could do well to get along to the Irish Fly Fair in Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh, of which Fulling Mill is one of the sponsors. Held over the weekend of 18th, 19th November they can not only see these materials being put to masterful use by the likes of Jackie Mahon, but they can stock up from Fulling Mill dealers, like Rodgers Tackle, who will be laden with new stock. From dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. This week’s top mover is their New Eco Warrior Dub – be sure to check it out. So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answer the following question: ‘How many times did Mike Cosgrave touch the ball when playing rugby against the All Blacks?’ Email your answer to info@irelandonthefly.com and we will announce the winner on next week’s show.
Last year we covered the impact of salmon farming on the famous Loch Maree in Scotland, but what about its impact on the wild salmon and sea trout here in Ireland and just why is the government looking to help the industry develop further in the face of its damaging ecological effects? For this week’s episode we’re joined by John Murphy from Salmon Watch Ireland, to tell us more about the work the organisation does as well as some recent cases they have been fighting. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. *** Fulling Mill Competition If you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. Anyone wanting to see them in person and handle them could do well to get along to the Irish Fly Fair in Enniskillen Co, of which Fulling Mill is one of the sponsors. Held over the weekend of 18th, 19th November they can not only see these materials being put to masterful use by the likes of Jackie Mahon, but they can stock up from Fulling Mill dealers, like Rodgers Tackle, who will be laden with new stock. From Dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. This week’s top mover is their New Eco Warrior Dub – be sure to check it out. So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answering the following question: ‘Which county is holding this year’s Irish Fly Fair’? Email your answer to info@irelandonthefly.com and we will announce the winner on next week’s show.
We’ve all seen the pictures of far flung fly fishing destinations with anglers holding huge fish and a guide beside them looking just as happy to have seen such a monster fish landed, and I’m sure you’ve probably thought, now that’s a job I wouldn’t mind doing. Working, living and fishing in some of the most incredible fly fishing destinations in the world, how could you not love it? But what’s it really like? Beyond the Instagram pictures of giant fish and smiling guests, it’s also a nomadic life cut off from society for most of the year and certainly not a life for everyone. Matthew Solon is a Clare man who has followed this path guiding on the Ponoi, in Patagonia, the Seychelles and Iceland and he joins us on this week’s show with some tall tales and insights into the guiding life. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. *** Fulling Mill Competition If you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. Anyone wanting to see them in person and handle them could do well to get along to the Irish Fly Fair in Enniskillen Co, proudly sponsored by Fulling Mill. Held over the weekend of 18th, 19th November they can not only see these materials being put to masterful use by the likes of Jackie Mahon, but they can stock up from Fulling Mill dealers, like Rodgers Tackle, who will be laden with new stock. From Dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. This week’s top mover is their New Eco Warrior Dub – be sure to check it out. So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answering the following question: ‘Which hotel will play host to this year’s Irish Fly fair?’ Email your answer to info@irelandonthefly.com and we will announce the winner on next week’s show
For those of you kicking your fly tying season into gear over the coming weeks and months we’ve a special guest on this week’s show. Davie McPhail, the legendary Scottish fly tier, joins us to discuss his career in fly fishing, how he got started in fly tying, his huge online following via YouTube, and he gives us some tips and advice for improving your fly tying….. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. *** Fulling Mill Competition If you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. The selection of dubbing materials is comprehensive to cover whatever you want to dress, from tiny dries to Saltwater Streamers, it is all there and some great UV mixes as well. From the individually preened marabou feathers to the top-secret treatment applied to their NEW Ultra Dry Yarn, the whole range is packed with stand out new products, all generously served up for your benefit in a neat array of colours and sizes. From Zonkers to CDC, Bucktail to Deer Belly, they’ve done a fantastic job, just be sure to check it out for yourselves. So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answer the following question: How many subscribers does Davie McPhail have on his YouTube channel? Email your answer to info@irelandonthefly.com and we’ll announce the winner on next week’s show. For Ts&Cs, go to IrelandontheFly.com https://www.irelandonthefly.com/p/fulling-mill-competition
With the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having lately – although this is probably going to be the new norm anyway – it’s also a good time to be casting a fly in the salt with bass fishing particularly good at this time of year. But how has the 2023 saltwater season been overall? Were the bass biting and what about other species like pollack and mullet? Guide and instructor, Jason O’Riordan, joins us on this week’s episode to give us some insights into how his season went and why his success targeting mullet has been a stand-out highlight for him on the Copper Coast. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n. You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. *** FULLING MILL COMPETITION NAME THE SPECIES OF FISH THAT WAS JASON’S MOST MEMORABLE FISH ON THE FLY THIS SEASON FOR HIM? Click here https://www.irelandonthefly.com/p/fulling-mill-competition for Ts&Cs.
You may have seen the disgraceful stories in recent weeks about the terrible pollution of Lough Neagh that has been occurring unabated and which has been poisonous for humans and animals, since May. Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in Ireland or the UK and due to an overload of nutrients, with agriculture mainly responsible, scientists are saying it could take 20-30 years for the lake to recover. On this week’s episode we find out how this was allowed to happen, how it can be stopped and what it has meant for local anglers as well as local communities around the lake. We’re joined by Dr. Les Gornall who did his Phd with Prof. R.B. Wood on Lough Neagh and by Seamus Donnelly who is Secretary of the Moyola Angling Club, and while Lough Neagh would not be known for its angling, Seamus has caught fish on it fly fishing from a drifting boat. Seamus tells us of his experience of the thick algae bloom that is suffocating the water while Les gives the scientific background as to why this is happening and how it can be stopped. Lough Neagh will be an open sewer if nothing is done, Les tells us in stark terms. https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-on-the-fly/id1494497441 https://open.spotify.com/show/6paX43CJfUSuyEKzyUtJ1n https://www.instagram.com/IrelandontheFly *** FULLING MILL COMPETITION NAME ONE OF THE FEEDER RIVERS ON LOUGH NEAGH? Click here https://www.irelandonthefly.com/p/fulling-mill-competition for Ts&Cs.
